Oak Island Beaches
The furbulous Oak Island offers residents and visitors 10 miles of pawsome coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Separated from the mainland by the Intrascoastal Waterway, this island is split into two towns, namely Caswell Beach on the far east end, and the town of Oak Island which takes up the majority of this North Carolina vacation spot. Best of all, Oak Island is very dog-friendly!
Oak Island is easy to get to by car, with two roads that go over the Intracoastal Highway. From Southport, take Long Beach Road SE, or NC 133, which turns into Country Club Drive on the island. This takes you to the east end of Oak Island, with the town of Oak Island on one side, and Caswell Beach on the other. Further west is NC 906 out of Bolivia which takes you straight into the town of Oak Island.
There are permanent residents on Oak Island, and plenty of amenities! Dotted with gnarled live oak trees, this town offers a post office, restaurants, ice cream parlors and shops. Golfers can check out the eastern end's Oak Island Gold Club, with the best temperate climates from September to December, and from February to April. For those who love watersports, there are many boat and kayak ramps, and a marina. The western tip of the island near The Point is pupular for its amazing ocean views and marshlands. The fishermen love casting a line into the ocean off the two fishing piers. And with 60 public access points to the oceanside beaches, this pupperdise is simply breathtaking!
This gorgeous, sandy beach runs along the beautiful Atlantic Ocean on the entire south side of the island. The surf rolls in and out gently here. Restrooms and showers are available at the cabana on the beach, and there is also an ice cream parlor and mini golf close by. Sea turtles do nest and hatch eggs on these beaches, mostly between May and October, so be sure to fill in all holes and knock over sandcastles before you leave the beach. Always give a turtle plenty of room if you spot one.
Your dog can romp in the sand, and splash in the waves with you along all the beaches on Oak Island year round! While generally, your pup will need to stay on leash at all times, during the off season, your pup can go off leash in some areas. That's right, from October 16 to March 15th, your dog can run off leash on the beaches from 6 AM to 8 PM in areas marked by signs. For a simply woofderful day in the sun and sand, don't furget to pack all the essentials. This should include drinking water to share with your beach pup, and clean-up bags, and always pick up whatever your dog lays down.
The Oak Island beaches are sure to bring a smile to the whole family, and keep that pup tail wagging!
